Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera throws to a teammate during a spring training workout Friday at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland.

By MATT REINSTETLE

Published: Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 5:17 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 5:17 p.m.

It's time to play ball.

A new year brings new-found excitement as Major League Baseball teams return to their Florida and Arizona homes for spring training, with games beginning Friday.

The American League Champion Detroit Tigers return to Lakeland for the 77th year, starting on the road against the Atlanta Braves at 1:05 p.m. Friday, then hosting the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday.

Several teams in the Grapefruit League made the offseason very interesting. If you're a baseball fan, six of those teams are within an hour's drive for Polk County residents. Below is some basic information on those teams going into Spring Training.

The Tigers had a great season last year but are looking to get back to the World Series after losing to the San Francisco Giants in four games. The Tigers still feature a strong lineup, led at the plate by 2012 AL MVP and Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera and on the mound with 2011 MVP pitcher Justin Verlander. Also, keep an eye out for 2012 Silver Slugger Prince Fielder.

Love them or loathe them, people want to see the Yankees when they come to town. The Yankees won the American League East Division, then got swept by the Tigers in the ALCS. The Yankees added Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis and designated hitter Travis Hafner. The Youkilis signing comes at a good time, as third baseman Alex Rodriguez will be out four to six months to recover from surgery on his left hip. Also, keep an eye on shortstop Derek Jeter as he continues to get back to form after surgery in the offseason on his left ankle.

The Braves return to Disney World after finishing second in the National League East and a wild card spot in the playoffs. The biggest off-season news came when the Braves signed former Tampa Bay Rays outfielder B.J. Upton and traded for his brother, fellow outfielder Justin Upton from Arizona. It'll be interesting to see how the Brothers Upton gel.

A lot changed for the Astros in the off-season. They have a new manager in Bo Porter, new players and a new league, going from the NL Central to the AL West. While the Astros are grooming prospects, they did sign veterans, such as former Rays player Carlos Pena as a designated hitter and first baseman.

The Phillies look to improve their .500 record and third-place finish in the NL East. In the off-season, they signed free agent left-fielder Delmon Young and acquired Michael Young (no relation) as part of a trade from Texas.

The Blue Jays made the biggest splash this off-season, going from a bottom feeder to a potential World Series contender on paper. The Blue Jays acquired shortstop Jose Reyes and pitchers Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle in a blockbuster 12-player trade with the Miami Marlins. In addition, they acquired 2012 NL Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey from the New York Mets and free agent Melky Cabrera as part of a seven-player deal.

Matt Reinstetle can be reached at matt.reinstetle@theledger.com or 802-7533. Follow Matt on Twitter @LedgerMatt.

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